Quick side note, as it has come up a few times.
Again, living in Carmel is not exactly reality. Most of the people I know that live in big houses and have really REALLY nice stuff (most, not all) are debt free, have HUGE retirements, send their kids to private schools, etc. They have been rewarded (or cursed, depending on certain specific situations) with jobs or other enterprises that paid them really well. Most (not all) were very smart, got some good breaks, and made the most of them.
This shouldn't be about jealousy. It is about making the most of opportunities, and sacrificing along the way.
One of the people I know who is VERY wealthy, worked his way through school (and his wife did, too) living in a crappy apartment, pinching every penny (when they would get soft drinks, they were the generic version and only when on sale). He maximized the opportunities he had. He's earned it. I don't begrudge him a thing.
ETA:
Follow up - most (not all) of those people have lives that I would not trade for. The great things they have cannot replace the intangible things that are part of my life that I do not see in their lives. There are some who have been able to "have it all" but I also believe that they would "have it all" if they didn't have the money. They are solidly grounded in faith and family, and are VERY generous with their money.
Again, living in Carmel is not exactly reality. Most of the people I know that live in big houses and have really REALLY nice stuff (most, not all) are debt free, have HUGE retirements, send their kids to private schools, etc. They have been rewarded (or cursed, depending on certain specific situations) with jobs or other enterprises that paid them really well. Most (not all) were very smart, got some good breaks, and made the most of them.
This shouldn't be about jealousy. It is about making the most of opportunities, and sacrificing along the way.
One of the people I know who is VERY wealthy, worked his way through school (and his wife did, too) living in a crappy apartment, pinching every penny (when they would get soft drinks, they were the generic version and only when on sale). He maximized the opportunities he had. He's earned it. I don't begrudge him a thing.
ETA:
Follow up - most (not all) of those people have lives that I would not trade for. The great things they have cannot replace the intangible things that are part of my life that I do not see in their lives. There are some who have been able to "have it all" but I also believe that they would "have it all" if they didn't have the money. They are solidly grounded in faith and family, and are VERY generous with their money.